For over three decades, John H. Crowder dedicated his life to supporting the youth of Union County. In honor of his enduring contributions and lasting impact, the Union County Board of Education presented the John H. Crowder Service Award for May to a Monroe High senior.

Xochitl (pronounced So-she) Morales-Rodriguez is a Health Science Academy mentor to ninth grade students, HOSA president, Student Government graphic designer, the band section leader for flutes and the captain of woodwinds.

Outside of school, she has led several community fundraising events for the RedStorm Marching Band. At church, she organized a posada for her youth group to help them learn about the true meaning of the Christmas holiday. Xochitl is also an advocate for special needs students. She has volunteered as a Union County Special Olympics buddy for the last three years and volunteered at the special needs prom in 2024. In 2023 and 2024, she volunteered as a translator for special needs program parent meetings. She is currently working evenings as a certified nursing assistant at Pruitt Nursing Home and also volunteers at the Senior Living Center around the holidays.

Xochitl has earned a band scholarship to North Carolina Central where she plans to major in bio-engineering.

05/06/2025